Auburn Scallon - Moon Prague & Beyond: Day Trips, Local Spots, Strategies to Avoid Crowds

AUBURN SCALLON

Some Czechs like to joke, with a characteristically self-deprecating wit, that everyone has heard of Prague but many have no idea that its in the Czech Republic. Prague has certainly earned its share of attention, along with various nicknames, through the centuries. The Golden City reflects the red-orange rooftops, the crowned National Theater, and the pastel facades bathed in sunlight. The City of a Hundred Spires (or a thousand, depending on whos counting) captures the complexity of the skyline viewed from numerous towers and viewpoints across town. The Heart of Europe might be one of the most important monikers, reminding visitors that geographic location puts the Czech capital smack in the center of the continent (and Prague being referred to as Eastern European while located west of Vienna is definitely a sore spot for many).

Prague certainly is a captivating city, but taking a few steps off the typical tourist path will open up a country filled with pleasant surprises. Architectural wonders range from mountaintop towers in Liberec and manicured gardens in Mikulov to artfully arranged human bones in Kutn Hora and Brno. The famous fairy-tale vibe in esk Krumlov complements the towns artistic scene. World-famous breweries in Pilsen organize guided tours, while innovative microbrewers set up shop in repurposed industrial spaces. Exhibits of history, royalty, and occupying forces in Olomouc or Brno are intertwined with a modern generation of Czechs bringing innovation to the dining and nightlife scenes. Taking in the natural beauty of Bohemian Paradise or a spa weekend in Karlovy Vary can offer an escape from the stresses of modern life. There is no one right way to explore the beauty and complexity of this country, but there are plenty of options to fill itineraries for different tastes.

Karlovy Varys Mill Colonnade

chlebky are a perfect picnic treat

spring in Prague

vineyard in Moravia

traditional decorated eggs at an Easter Market

Charles Bridge Tower

Wandering the vast complex of Pragues

Sipping a foam-topped pivo (beer) in one of Pragues .

Surveying the landscape from the mountaintop in Liberec. The sweeping view reaches all the way to the German and Polish borders.

Dining and drinking in outer neighborhoods, where you can still get a sense of the undiscovered vibe the city was once known for.

Taking in the panoramic view from esk Krumlovs equally beautiful in summer (when the city teems with tourists) and winter (when the city is quieter, and snow blankets the landscape).

Melting stress away in the relaxing salt caves of

Admiring the scattered across Olomouc. Searching for them creates a fun scavenger hunt across the city.

Comparing the lager at in Pilsen.

Tasting the countrys best wines surrounded by aristocratic glamour in the at Valtice Chteau.

Watching the sunset from as the light fades over the picturesque town of Mikulov.

Wandering through the bone church at the , which contains the artfully arranged bones of more than 40,000 human skeletons.

A two- or three-day tour of Prague will give you a solid first impression of the city. After that, there are excellent options for day trips or longer excursions. Kutn Hora, Liberec, and Bohemian Paradise are all easily doable as day trips by train or bus. An overnight stay will help to make the most out of Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, or esk Krumlov, balancing travel time without feeling rushed. If you head east to the Moravian region, its worth spending 2-3 days (or more) traveling between Olomouc, Brno, and the Lednice-Valtice Area. All three cities are easily connected to each other and to Prague by regular trains and buses or highways.